Franklin Park, PA

Zoning Hearing Board

Borough Council

The Franklin Park Borough Council will vote on several routine and substantive items, including awarding a multi-year solid waste collection contract, approving subdivision and land development applications, and adopting a sewage facilities planning module. The meeting also includes public comment periods and recognition of outgoing officials.

• Award Waste Management of Pennsylvania Inc. a contract for solid waste, recyclables, and household hazardous waste collection from Jan 1, 2027 to Dec 31, 2030, with possible one-year extension
• Approve minor subdivision SS-26-08-07 for a lot line revision at 1000 and 1100 Pine Lane
• Approve land development LPF-26-07-01 for the Franklin Inn at 2313 Rochester Road
• Adopt Resolution No. 1424-2026 for a sewage facilities planning module at 1403 Fox Chase Drive
• Authorize second partial payment of $19,666.67 to McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority

Borough Council

This is the agenda for the Borough Council's pre-meeting on August 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., held in person and via Zoom. The council will receive an MS4 update from CEC representatives, discuss old business including the Franklin Inn application, and review the regular meeting agenda and Manager's Report items. Reports from council and the mayor are also scheduled, with an executive session possible if needed.

• MS4 update by Justin Wagner and Ashley Neptune of CEC
• Franklin Inn application discussion
• Review of August 19th regular meeting agenda
• Manager's Report discussion items
• Reports from Council & Mayor

Planning Commission

The Franklin Park Planning Commission will consider two applications: a conditional use request for a detached garage exceeding 1,000 square feet at 2286 Sylvan Drive, and a logging application for properties at 2633 Weinman Road and Parcel 1343-M-287. The meeting also includes approval of the July 21, 2026 minutes. Items may be tabled at the commission's discretion.

• Conditional use application CU 26-08-02 by Gene and Whitney Natali for a detached garage over 1,000 sq ft at 2286 Sylvan Drive (R-2 district)
• Logging application by DeNoon Lumber Company, LLC for 2633 Weinman Road and Parcel 1343-M-287 (R-1 district)
• Approval of July 21, 2026 meeting minutes

Environmental Advisory Council

The Environmental Advisory Council is meeting to discuss updates on old business, including a Bird Town PA grant, a possible publication on lithium batteries, and the tree ordinance. New business includes a state grant possibility, bird outreach, and recycling outreach. The council will also consider ongoing requests from the borough council regarding landscape ordinances, sidewalk connectivity, and tree sound barriers.

• Bird Town PA grant possibility update
• Tree Ordinance update
• Trees as sound barriers research
• State grant possibility
• Recycling outreach contract with PA reps

Zoning Hearing Board

The Franklin Park Zoning Hearing Board will consider five variance applications, all in the R-2 Zoning District. One appeal seeks a shed without a principal use; three request front-yard setback relief for dwelling additions; one asks for a rear-yard setback variance for a detached garage. No old business is on the agenda.

• Appeal ZH 26-08-03: Chris & Holly Persic seek variance for accessory-use shed without principal use at King David Drive parcel 609-H-150
• Appeal ZH 26-08-04: David Miller requests variance for front-yard setback encroachment at 2355 James Drive
• Appeal ZH 26-08-05: Alan & Margaret Wilson request variance for front-yard setback encroachment at 2562 Meinert Road
• Appeal ZH 26-08-06: Dr. Cheryl Rosato requests variance for front-yard setback encroachment at 2614 Glenchester Road
• Appeal ZH 26-08-07: Greg & Ashley Simpson request variance for rear-yard setback encroachment with detached garage at 1582 Bellmonte Road

Borough Council

This is a work session, not a voting meeting. Council will hear the 2025 audit report, review the Franklin Inn application, and discuss deer management and a road grant. No public comments are taken at this session.

• 2025 Audit Report presentation by Maher Duessel
• Franklin Inn application review
• Deer management discussion
• Dirt, Gravel & Low Volume Road Grant discussion
• Land Use/Planning Committee: Wireless Master Plan & zoning amendments for cellular infrastructure

Borough Council

The Franklin Park Borough Council Land Use/Planning Committee is meeting to discuss two new items: a Wireless Master Plan and zoning amendments for cellular infrastructure. No decisions are recorded on the agenda; the items are listed for discussion.

• Wireless Master Plan
• Zoning amendments for cellular infrastructure

Planning Commission

The Franklin Park Planning Commission will consider a revised preliminary and final land development application for the Franklin Inn at 2313 Rochester Road. They will also review the recently enacted Data Center Ordinance and recommend possible amendments. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and routine procedural items.

• Revised preliminary and final land development application (LPF 26-07-01) by John Cibula for Franklin Inn at 2313 Rochester Road in R-2 Zoning District
• Review of enacted Data Center Ordinance and recommendations for amendments

The Planning Commission recommended approval of the Franklin Inn land development plan, contingent on satisfying staff and engineer comments. It approved waivers for lot paving and landscaping, but denied the sidewalk waiver, instead recommending a developer's agreement to install the sidewalk later. The commission also recommended limiting data centers to the M-3 industrial district.

• Approved modification request #3 (lot paving waiver) (6-0, 1 recusal)
• Approved modification request #2 (landscaping waiver) (6-0, 1 recusal)
• Denied modification request #1 (sidewalk waiver) (1-5, 1 recusal)
• Approved developer's agreement for sidewalk installation (6-0, 1 recusal)
• Approved land development plan contingent on staff/engineer comments (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Recommended ordinance amendment limiting data centers to M-3 district (6-0, 1 abstention)

Environmental Advisory Council

The Environmental Advisory Council will review updates on the Tree Ordinance, Bird Town PA grant possibilities, and use of remaining grant money. New business includes a Festival in the Park summary and a regional meeting reboot. Council has requested EAC consideration of landscape ordinance updates, sidewalk connectivity, trees as sound barriers, and review of approved development plans.

• Update on Tree Ordinance
• Possible additional Bird Town PA grant
• Use of remaining grant money
• Council request: Landscape Ordinances update or amendment
• Council request: Sidewalk Connectivity

Borough Council

The Franklin Park Borough Council will vote on a subdivision application for a lot line revision, enter into development agreement addendums for Deerfield Estates, and authorize a $42,497 vehicle purchase. They will also consider grant applications for active transportation projects and the Old Orchard Cross Walk Project, along with personnel actions and a geotechnical engineering contract.

• Subdivision application for lot line revision at 2489 Wexford Run Road & 2500 Foxbriar Court
• Fourth Addendum to Development Agreement with Deerfield Estates FP Development LLC extending completion to July 28, 2027
• Purchase of one 2026 Ford Explorer for $42,497.00
• Resolution No. 1422-2026 requesting a $276,700.00 DCNR Multimodal Transportation grant
• Resolution No. 1423-2026 authorizing $83,200.00 grant application for Old Orchard Cross Walk Project

Borough Council

The Borough Council will hold a pre-meeting to review the mid-year budget and discuss the agenda for the regular meeting. No old business is listed. The meeting is open for remote participation.

• Mid-year budget review
• Review of July 15th regular meeting agenda
• Manager's Report discussion items

Zoning Hearing Board

Borough Council

The Borough Council holds a work session to review the upcoming July 15 regular meeting agenda and receive reports from staff, engineers, and the solicitor. Discussion items include Amicitia Lane and a stormwater encroachment agreement. No public comments are taken at work sessions.

• Review of July 15 regular meeting agenda
• Reports from staff, engineers, and solicitor
• Discussion of Amicitia Lane (L/B 701-H-106 & L/B 701-D-155)
• Discussion of stormwater encroachment agreement

Council discussed and denied a request to grant two front lots on the Wetzel Plan of Lots access via a private lane instead of Nicholson Road. The developer had requested the change, but Council voted against it. Other business included reviewing a developer's extension request for Deerfield Estates and discussing ethics training for council members.

• Denied request for Wetzel Plan lots to access via private lane instead of Nicholson Road
• Discussed but no vote on Deerfield Estates extension request (agenda item only)
• Discussed ethics training on abstaining, recusing, and excusing (no formal action)

Borough Council

The Franklin Park Borough Council will hold a pre-meeting to review the regular meeting agenda and discuss the Manager's Report, which includes pedestrian connectivity and a quote from LSSE for a sidewalk inventory. The council will also receive reports from members and the mayor, and may enter executive session to discuss potential litigation regarding an Oakleaf Lane MOU and 2281 Rochester Road. No committee meeting is scheduled.

• Review of June 17, 2026 regular meeting agenda
• Manager's Report discussion on pedestrian connectivity
• LSSE quote for sidewalk inventory
• Executive session on Oakleaf Lane MOU potential litigation
• Executive session on 2281 Rochester Road potential litigation

The meeting was largely procedural and discussion-based, with no final votes taken on the main agenda items. Council reviewed a conditional use application for solar panels on an accessory structure and discussed a proposed zoning amendment for a Data Center District Overlay. The manager's report included discussion on pedestrian connectivity projects and a sidewalk inventory quote.

• No votes or final decisions recorded on any agenda items
• Council discussed conditional use for solar panels on accessory structure
• Public hearing held on proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment for Data Center District Overlay
• Executive sessions held to discuss potential litigation on Oakleaf Lane MOU and 2281 Rochester Road

Borough Council

The Franklin Park Borough Council will hold public hearings and vote on a conditional use application for solar panels at 1614 Pegher Lane and an ordinance adding a data center district overlay to the zoning code. They will also consider authorizing a $500,000 flood mitigation grant application, awarding a rock salt bid, and approving a compost agreement. Several routine items, such as approving minutes and paying bills, are also on the agenda.

• Public hearing and vote on Conditional Use Application CU-26-01-01 for solar panels at 1614 Pegher Lane
• Public hearing and vote on Ordinance No. 697-2026 adding a Data Center District Overlay to zoning
• Authorize Resolution No. 1421-2026 for a $500,000 DCED Flood Mitigation Program grant for Bear Run tributary on Montgomery Road
• Award rock salt bid to Morton Salt Company at $95.03 per ton for Sept 2026-Aug 2027
• Authorize Compost Agreement with North Hills COG through December 31, 2030

The Borough Council enacted Ordinance No. 697-2026, adding a data center district overlay to the zoning ordinance, after a public hearing with resident comments. The council also approved a conditional use for solar panels, authorized a flood mitigation grant request, and awarded a rock salt bid.

• Enacted Ordinance No. 697-2026 adding data center district overlay (carried)
• Approved Conditional Use CU-26-01-01 for solar panels at 1614 Pegher Lane (carried)
• Authorized DCED Flood Mitigation Program grant request for $500,000 (carried)
• Awarded rock salt bid to Morton Salt at $95.03/ton (carried)
• Authorized compost agreement with North Hills COG through 2030 (carried)
• Appointed Bob Brecht to Environmental Advisory Council (carried)
• Authorized advertising for garbage/recycling contract bids (carried)
• Approved minutes and payment of bills (carried)

Planning Commission

The Franklin Park Planning Commission will consider ratifying a conditional use approval for solar panels at 1614 Pegher Lane, review a zoning amendment to create an overlay district for data centers, and discuss exempting residential solar panels from conditional use requirements.

• Ratification of conditional use approval for solar panels on an accessory structure at 1614 Pegher Lane
• Review of Ordinance No. 697-2026 to create a data center overlay zoning district
• Proposed zoning amendment to exempt solar panels on residential accessory structures from conditional use approval

The Planning Commission voted 5-1 to recommend approval of a modified data center ordinance amendment, constraining the overlay district to the M-3 zoning district only. The commission also ratified a previous conditional use approval and approved solar panel ordinance amendments. Discussion centered on concerns about the overlay's boundaries, including proximity to a park and water source.

• Ratified conditional use approval CU 26-01-01 (5-0)
• Recommended approval of data center ordinance amendment with overlay limited to M-3 district (5-1)
• Approved solar panel ordinance amendment (unanimous)

Environmental Advisory Council

The Environmental Advisory Council will finalize plans for the Festival In The Park, determine participation in the Bird Town PA program, and decide how to direct grant money toward seminars or plants. They will also discuss future projects and goals tied to the Franklin Park Comprehensive Plan.

• Decide on participation in Bird Town PA program
• Direct grant money toward seminars or plants
• Finalize plans for Festival In The Park
• Discuss tour of Neville Island Waste Management facility
• Discuss EAC goals associated with the FP Comprehensive Plan

The Environmental Advisory Council held an abbreviated meeting with no formal votes or decisions. Members discussed upcoming Festival in the Park activities, a proposed data center zoning ordinance with a public meeting scheduled for June 17, 2026, and the borough's inability to fund a full-time sustainability coordinator due to budget constraints. Council also reviewed a list of issues from Borough Council for future EAC consideration, including landscape ordinances, sidewalk connectivity, and tree sound barriers.

• No formal decisions or votes recorded

Zoning Hearing Board

The Franklin Park Zoning Hearing Board will consider a single new business item: a variance application for a front porch and roof encroachment into the required front yard. No old business is on the agenda.

• Variance application by Justin Meyers for encroachment of front porch and roof at 2552 Shellburne Drive in R-2 Zoning District

Borough Council

The Council will discuss DCNR Multimodal Transportation Fund Grants and borough properties. The meeting includes interviews for the Junior Council Person position and a presentation on pension plan investment performance.

• DCNR Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant discussion
• Pension plans investment performance report by Jason Staley of Schneider Downs
• Junior Council Person interviews
• Interview with Bob Brecht for the EAC
• Executive session regarding Oakleaf Lane potential litigation and Jungling zoning enforcement

The Borough Council held a work session with no formal votes or binding decisions. They interviewed seven candidates and appointed Elena Xiao as Junior Councilperson for the 2026-2027 school year. Bob Brecht was appointed to the Environmental Advisory Council. All other items were discussions or reports only.

• Appointed Elena Xiao as Junior Councilperson for 2026-2027
• Appointed Bob Brecht to the Environmental Advisory Council

Borough Council

The Franklin Park Borough Council will hold a pre/post meeting on May 20, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., with no old business. New business includes reviewing the regular meeting agenda, discussing an update to the Comprehensive Recreation, Park and Open Space Plan, and fence requests over stormwater right-of-way. Reports from council and the mayor will be given, followed by an executive session on potential litigation regarding Oakleaf Lane.

• Review of Comprehensive Recreation, Park and Open Space Plan Update
• Discussion of fence requests over stormwater right-of-way
• Executive session on Oakleaf Lane potential litigation

Council discussed and conditionally approved a YMCA request to pave its parking lot during late afternoon and evening hours until midnight on a Friday, requiring 14-day advance notice to neighboring residents. The specific date will be set after the YMCA awards the project to a contractor. No formal votes were recorded on this or other agenda items.

• Conditionally approved YMCA parking lot paving until midnight on a Friday, contingent on 14-day neighbor notice
• Concurred with staff recommendation to allow Public Works Director to approve fences over stormwater rights-of-way instead of requiring Council submission
• Discussed but tabled Maronda Homes' proposed revisions to Cardinal Ridge Townhome Plan pending further information
• Discussed directing Planning Commission to expedite Franklin Inn reopening process; no formal action taken

Borough Council

The Franklin Park Borough Council is holding its regular meeting on May 20, 2026, with several votes on land development, equipment purchases, and resolutions. Key items include a subdivision lot line revision on Rochester Road, final approval of Cardinal Ridge townhouse design changes, and a reduction in the Bliss Residential Land Development set-aside agreement. The council will also adopt resolutions on the county hazard mitigation plan and a mower trade-in, and award spring commodities bids.

• Subdivision Application SS-26-05-05 for 2337 and 2341 Rochester Road lot line revision
• Final approval of Cardinal Ridge Townhouse Plan design revisions by Maronda Homes
• Set-Aside Agreement for Bliss Residential Land Development reduced by $59,700 to $199,772
• Adopt Resolution No. 1419-2026 adopting Allegheny County 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Purchase of 2026 Exmark Lazer Zero-Turn Mower for $12,637 after trade-in

The Franklin Park Borough Council approved a subdivision lot-line revision, adopted the Allegheny County 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan, and authorized the purchase of a new zero-turn mower for the Parks Department. Several other routine items were approved, including bills, a set-aside agreement reduction, and a bond reduction for a sewage treatment facility. No substantive decisions were made on the highway noise issue raised by residents, which was noted as cost-prohibitive.

• Approved Alan Scholze subdivision lot-line revision at 2337 and 2341 Rochester Road (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 1419-2026 adopting Allegheny County 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan (unanimous)
• Authorized purchase of 2026 Exmark Lazer Zero-Turn Mower for $12,637 after trade-in (unanimous)
• Approved Cardinal Ridge Townhome Plan building material and design revisions (unanimous)
• Reduced Bliss Residential Land Development set-aside agreement from $259,472 to $199,772 (one abstention)
• Accepted Bill Kelly's resignation from Environmental Advisory Council (unanimous)
• Reduced Bell Sewage Treatment Facility cash bond from $10,000 to $2,000 (unanimous)
• Approved YMCA paving request for Baierl Family YMCA driveway on a Friday evening in June, July, or August 2026 (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Franklin Park Planning Commission is reviewing two proposed zoning ordinance amendments: one to create an overlay district and add regulations for data centers, and another to exempt solar panels on residential accessory structures from conditional use approval. They will also consider a conditional use application for solar panels on an accessory structure at 1614 Pegher Lane, and vote on the April 21, 2026 meeting minutes.

• Conditional use application CU 26-01-01 by Ken Interval for solar panels on accessory structure at 1614 Pegher Lane (R-1 District)
• Proposed Ordinance No. 697-2026 to create overlay zoning district and add data center regulations
• Proposed amendment to exempt solar panels on residential accessory structures from conditional use approval
• Motion to approve April 21, 2026 meeting minutes

The Planning Commission lacked a quorum, so it could not approve prior minutes or take formal action on most items. The only decision was a recommendation to approve a conditional use application for residential solar panels (CU-26-01-01), conditioned on staff comments. Discussions on a data center zoning overlay and a solar ordinance amendment were held but no votes were taken.

• Recommended approval of conditional use CU-26-01-01 for residential solar panels, conditioned on staff report compliance (motion carried)

Zoning Hearing Board

The Franklin Park Zoning Hearing Board will consider a single new business item: a variance request for solar panels encroaching into the required side yard at 1614 Pegher Lane. No old business is on the agenda.

• Appeal No. ZH 26-05-01: variance for solar panel encroachment into side yard at 1614 Pegher Lane in R-1 District